Over the coming weeks plenty of office Christmas parties will be in full swing and one can only hope none end up in court like this story, where an employer was found to be vicariously liable for a Managing Director’s drunken attack on an employee after a Christmas party!

Following a Court of Appeal hearing it was deemed that the MD was the “directing mind” of the company, and had responsibility for all management decisions with a wide remit and authority. As such there was sufficient connection between his job and the assault that took place.

Outcomes of each case will often depend upon a court making a full and careful analysis of the facts and circumstances. But it’s worth noting even if one’s actions take place after hours, provided a sufficient link can be established, then employers may be found liable for their employees’ actions… We’ve all been warned!